We’ve all been through those panicked moments when we try to scramble for a pen or even a pencil and neither is in sight, let alone within reach. Thanks to a renaissance of paper notebooks and analog productivity systems, it’s no longer weird to be carrying a writing instrument with you all the time, sometimes even in your pocket. Not all pens and pencils, however, are made to be shoved in pockets, especially when it comes to pencils that have fragile leads that easily break at the slightest pressure. But what if you had a writing tool that never ran out of ink, never needed to be sharpened, and never snapped in two when you accidentally sat on it? That’s the kind of handwriting bliss that the Pocket Everlasting Metal Pencil brings to your pocket, bag, or EDC toolkit, ensuring you’ll have something to write down your thoughts with at the moment that inspiration strikes.
Although an ink pen is the preferred tool for jotting down notes, some prefer the centuries-old pencil for its more forgiving and expressive properties. That’s mostly thanks to the nature of the graphite core that leaves its unique mark on paper or other mediums. But whether the pencil is traditional or mechanical, it has the almost innate drawback of needing to be sharpened or replaced because the “lead” has become dull or has broken off. When that happens, not only does your flow of thought get broken as well, you also start to get stressed while scrambling for a sharpener or replacement leads.
This all-metal pocket pencil removes that weakness by using an ingenious special alloy core that barely needs sharpening or not at all. That alloy, however, still contains graphite so it leaves the same marks that a regular clay or charcoal-based pencil would. In other words, you get the same writing experience and quality as a 2H pencil, but without the hassles of “running out” of lead or even ink.
What makes this everlasting pencil even more special is its size. At only 4.7 inches (120mm) long, it is the perfect length to keep in your pocket so you always have it at hand when you need it. At the same time, it isn’t too short to make writing for long periods of time uncomfortable. It strikes the perfect balance between portability and ergonomics, something that a regular pencil can’t even achieve.
The design of the pencil is quite distinctive as well, sporting a faceted metal barrel with a matte texture that improves your grip and prevents the pencil from rolling off desks. It also comes with a rather cute leather cap so you don’t accidentally leave marks inside your pockets. Whether you’re scribbling notes or drafting your next designs, you can enjoy a stress-free and expressive writing experience by having this everlasting all-metal pencil always in your pocket.
The pen is mightier than the sword, especially given how it has withstood the test of time, even in our current digital age. But while writing things down by hand has plenty of cited benefits, from psychological to practical, handwritten notes also miss out on a lot of conveniences and potential, especially when it comes time to search through dozens of pages of scribbles. For years, smart notebooks have tried to bridge this gap between analog and digital with some measure of success, but the majority of them stop at turning handwritten notes into digital text you can easily search. This innovative smart notebook, however, upgrades that experience by harnessing the power of AI to make the best out of your scribbles and sketches, turning them into summaries, tasks, appointments, and even translations that will take your productivity to the next level.
AI has been a hot topic for the past years, impressing many while scaring off others. The power that artificial intelligence, machine learning, and neural networks can bring to seemingly ordinary products can really be mind-blowing, especially when you consider the new experiences they enable. ChatGPT, for example, is quite a famous large language model (LLM) application that is being used for things like conversations, searches, and other text-related processing that makes it feel like you’re talking with an actual human person. The XNote smart notebook utilizes this amazing AI to bring together the joy of writing on paper and the convenience of digital technology in an intuitive and seamless way.
The magic of the XNote starts, of course, with pen and paper, specifically a beautiful invisibly coded notebook and a revolutionary smart pen. The notebook itself bears a Moleskine-like design, complete with an elastic band to keep it from opening accidentally. The smart pen looks like it’s simply leaving ink marks on paper, but it’s also detecting invisible patterns so that every stroke is accurately sent and mirrored to the XNote app via Bluetooth in real-time. You don’t have to take pictures of your notes and you don’t even have to wait for your scribbles to sync with the app. You can see your scribbles and drawings recreated inside the app instantly, almost like magic. With a built-in 265mAh rechargeable battery, you can write for 7 to 8 hours of use without having to worry about a forced break.
While other smart notebooks stop there, XNote transforms your ink marks into text, formulas, or diagrams, all kinds of digital objects that can later be searched or even shared with others online. XNote, however, goes beyond handwriting recognition and uses ChatGPT to create contextual recognition, smartly identifying the kind of text so that you can simply ask XNote when you need to look for a note. Can’t remember where you stored a friend’s suggestion for your next binge reading? Just ask in the XNote app to look for the book recommendation you wrote last week. Need a quick recap of the meeting notes you took earlier? Ask XNote to summarize those for you in easy-to-digest pieces. You can even have those notes translated for easier communication beyond geographical boundaries. And since the notes are digitized, you can easily search across different notebooks and access your data on platforms, ensuring that your analog notes remain accessible long after the paper notebooks go away.
XNote not only cares about your notes but also about your privacy as well. It uses advanced end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and top-tier cloud security protocols to ensure no unauthorized person ever lays eyes on your notes. And while the basic package has the core features you need, XNote offers a $9/month ($59/year launch special) Premium subscription that brings all the power of AI to your fingertips, including Smart Task Alerts and AI-driven Tags and Categories. Even better, now that it has reached its $200,000 funding milestone, every backer who has selected either the 1-Year Subscription or the Combo Bundle will be automatically upgraded to a Free Lifetime AI Membership! With the ChatGPT-powered XNote smart notebook, you can employ that powerful AI to do the heavy lifting of making sense of your notes while you continue to enjoy the benefits of writing with pen and paper.
While working in an office space, focusing on the right office supplies is crucial. Adorning your desk with the right items can significantly impact your day. The right products can not only enhance your work routine and productivity but also help maintain a clear and streamlined mindset. We’ve curated an excellent collection of office supplies that perfectly blend form, functionality, minimalism, and simplicity. From an everlasting all-metal pencil to a hanging desk organizer, these are the ingenious products that you need on your desk. Let’s explore these innovative and practical tools to transform your work experience.
1. Levitating Pen 3.0
Called the Levitating Pen, this good-looking writing accessory is a sleek pen with a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge which makes it easy and sturdy to hold, creating a smooth writing experience.
The Levitating Pen can be positioned in its holder which is magnetized and can be kept floating in that position. You need to give the pen a simple twist, which makes it spin for a good 20 seconds, allowing you to interact with it.
What we like
The pen is easy and sturdy to hold
The act of spinning the pen can be a fun stress-buster
What we dislike
The pen can easily roll off when placed on a curved surface
2. Rolling World Clock
If you’re someone who works globally and needs to deal with clients in different timezones, then the minimal, one-hand Rolling World Clock is the product you need.
With the Rolling World Clock, you can easily get the timezone you need with a simple one-handed movement. You can turn the clock till the city whose time you need to check turns up, allowing the watch hand to adjust to the correct timezone automatically.
What we like
You don’t need a screen to check on multiple timezones
Keeps the time-telling a minimal and simple affair
What we dislike
The clock only features 12 set cities, so you will still need to calculate the time zones outside the clock’s interface
3. Everlasting All-Metal Pencil
Dubbed the Everlasting Metal Pencil, this Wacom stylus features a tip that never needs to be replaced or sharpened. The unique pencil allows you to focus entirely on your creative process instead of the lead.
The pencil’s octagonal shaft is built using aluminum, and it features a special alloy core. Instead of leaving heavy grooves on the paper, it draws like a pencil, without the tip wearing down even after dozens of marks.
What we like
Features a metal core instead of clay or charcoal, so the pencil wears down very slowly
What we dislike
Isn’t the best option for those who use smudging techniques, as it doesn’t smudge or smear the way normal graphite does
4. Japanese Drawing Pad
Japanese paper has always been loved and preferred by designers, artists, and stationery lovers for its high quality. And, if you’re someone who wants to try out this paper, then you may want to get your hands on the Japanese Drawing Pad.
The Japanese Drawing Pad is a premium-quality pad that allows you to unveil your thoughts and passions without the worry of accidentally damaging the durable paper fibers.
What we like
The paper is microperforated allowing for easy and effortless tearing
Available in various sizes and colors, so you can pick the kind that meets your stationery needs
What we dislike
At first glance, it seems like an ordinary pad with nothing special to offer. Looks can be deceiving
5. All-in-One Screwdriver
The All-in-One Screwdriver stands out for its innovative design and multifunctionality. It is not just a tool for driving screws but also a piece of engineering that brings playfulness into work.
The screwdriver features an innovative ball bearing for smooth operation and a spinner wheel that tackles bigger screwing challenges with ease. When more power is needed, its hexagon bit holder can be used with an electric screwdriver, making it a versatile addition to any office toolkit.
What we like
Smooth swivel action that requires only finger strength
Detachable spinner wheel for increased torque and faster rotation
What we dislike
Some might find the additional features to be overkill for simple screwdriving tasks
6. ASMR Zen Ball
The ASMR Zen Ball is a unique fusion of natural and engineered elements, designed to provide a calming and sensory experience.
Crafted from genuine volcanic stone and matte aluminum alloy, this device doubles as a fidget toy, offering an interactive way to engage with the natural energy of the earth. This lava ball also offers an aromatic experience when used with essential oils, making it a multifaceted tool for relaxation.
What we like
Can be used for sensory stimulation, as a fidget toy, or for aromatherapy
Made from genuine volcanic stone, offering a distinct tactile experience
What we dislike
While it offers sensory benefits, its practical application in an office environment is limited
7. Effortless Standing Letter Cutter
The ordinary letter cutter provides a makeover in the form of the Effortless Standing Letter Cutter. The standard office tool is reimagined with this product.
The letter cutter not only efficiently slices paper, but it also functions as a chic paperweight which basically means less clutter and more style and elegance for your workspace.
What we like
No messy pieces and straps are created, making cleanup simple
It doubles up as a paperweight
What we dislike
While fantastic for standard envelopes, it is not versatile enough for those bulkier packages or intricate mail
8. Quick-Access Organizer
This organizer is an exciting storage solution that ensures your essentials are always accessible, and easily reachable. It marries form and functionality to create a unique 21st-century product.
It is a simple and minimalist product that stands apart in a world where smart gadgets and daily reminders reign supreme. It is the perfect combination of form, functionality, and aesthetics.
What we like
It is a lid and a tray and features dual functionality
The rotating mechanism takes the guesswork out of storage
What we dislike
Cannot accommodate a large array of items
9. Hanging Desk Organizer
In today’s ever-evolving workspaces, redefining how we utilize space is essential. This edge-hanging organizer doesn’t just challenge the norms; it entirely disrupts them.
Leveraging often overlooked spaces, it offers a solution that’s as innovative as it is effective, allowing users to reclaim their desktop real estate for productivity while ensuring essentials are always within arm’s reach.
What we like
It hangs off the edge, utilizing an otherwise frequently wasted space
It features a modular magnetic system which puts the control in your hand
What we dislike
Not sure how much weight it can handle before it becomes unstable
10. The Scissors w/ Base
The Scissors w/Base features a magnetic base that makes the design a pretty cutting-edge one, allowing you to reshape your workspace organization.
The magnet base is a game-changer, giving these shears a permanent VIP spot on your desk—no more lost-in-the-abyss moments. Crafted with lustrous Japanese steel, they’re not just tools but desk decor that screams ‘next-gen chic’.
What we like
That magnetic base is genius—ensuring your scissors have a dedicated spot
In the world of multifunctional gadgets, having a built-in box cutter is the kind of forward-thinking detail we appreciate
What we dislike
As much as they’re aesthetically pleasing, they will not replace the heavy-duty scissors you need for tougher tasks
I probably haven’t used an eraser for quite some time now since I rarely use pencils to write or draw on my journals. And the few times that I did use a pencil, it already comes with a “built-in” eraser anyway so no need to have a separate one. But if i do find a cute shape for an eraser, I would not hesitate to get one as a souvenir or keepsake.
Designer: Casio
If someone hands you a tiny Casio G-Shock, make sure that it’s an actual watch before you get excited. That’s because the Japanese watch brand is releasing a very realistic albeit smaller version of its famous G-Shock watches to celebrate the watch line’s 40th anniversary. But instead of telling time, these “watchpieces” will be able to erase your mistakes. Well, at least if you used a pencil to write something down.
The erasers are exact replicas of the DW-5600 G-Shock watches and you can get them for free if you buy specific products from Casio. They’re around 60% of the actual sizes of the G-Shock watches and they have detachable bands in case you need a better grip if you’re using the erasers for what they were created to do. But if you just want them as a cute souvenir from your trip to Japan or from your Casio purchase.
Since Japan is known as the land of cute stationery, it’s not really surprising that Casio chose this kind of commemorative piece to celebrate G-Shock’s anniversary. However, you will only be able to get one of these if you order eligible watches from their online store in Japan. The erasers are available in three colors (black, yellow, red) but you will get a random color as your freebie. I’d still take any color but unfortunately I don’t live in Japan so I will just have to stare at these cute erasers.
Back in 2017 when the fidget spinner was all the craze, it was a pretty great reminder of one fact – digital experiences, social media, addictive apps be damned… There was still something incredibly engaging about a tactile spinner. The fidget spinner craze may have died down soon after, but the joy of fidgeting didn’t. As digital as the world grew since then, tactile experiences still reign supreme, whether it’s the clack of a keyboard, the pop of bubble-wrap, the snap of MagSafe accessories, or the sheer ASMR of playing with a fidget toy. The Tiroler builds on that experience by re-imagining the humble scale/ruler as a new kind of EDC-worthy gizmo. Unlike the average scale, the measuring tape, or those ultra-advanced laser measures, the Tiroler prides itself in being incredibly hands-on and having a user-experience centered around fun. The device assumes the shape of a rolling hubless wheel that has a series of markings on it. Roll it along a surface and you can effectively measure its distance by calculating the distance your roller has traveled. The Tiroler emits a series of satisfying clicks every time it completes a rotation, so all you do is count the clicks and read the number on the Tiroler’s window to know the exact measurement you’re looking for. Aside from that undeniably fun experience, the Tiroler is crafted in the image of a gorgeous piece of EDC (Everyday Carry) too. It comes crafted from titanium, with a hubless design that your fingers will love alongside your eyes. When you’re not measuring objects, surfaces, and distances, the Tiroler is a gorgeous toy that you’ll immediately want to fidget with. That’s more than I can say about any other measuring device or app…
“Tiroler is a revolutionary measuring tool designed to break free from the constraints of traditional rulers,” says designer Suzuki Sho. “With its continuous loop design, Tiroler offers limitless measurement possibilities for irregular shapes, curved routes, and extended surfaces.”
The radial design of the scale breaks away from the monotony of linear scales. Not only does this design approach make it more portable than a regular steel or plastic scale, it also makes the process of measuring more fun, and easier to execute on your own, unlike measuring tapes that can sometimes require two people holding each end of the tape.
The Tiroler comes with a gorgeous all-metal design featuring a rolling ring suspended within a hubless outer body. This makes the roller easy to carry around given that its central cavity acts as a big lanyard hole, but also makes it easy to grip by having your thumb and finger nestled within the negative space. Using the roller is easy, fun, and mildly challenging – a window on the rim lets you see the markings on the roller inside. Set it to zero before you begin rolling along the surface you want to measure. Every time the roller completes a revolution, it emits a click that you’ll hear and feel. Count the clicks and multiply it by 10, then add the number you see on the window to get your final measurement. For example, measuring a distance of 24 centimeters would lead to two clicks (20) and a window reading of 4.
The unique format of the Tiroler makes it perfect for organic non-linear measurements. Whether you’re a fashion designer measuring the cut of a garment, an architect or engineer calculating the length of a curved wall, or even a transport/furniture/industrial designer gauging the distance of a curved surface, the Tiroler’s unique format coupled with its pocket-friendly size makes it a perfect tool to have on you at all times. Its gorgeous full-titanium design sets it apart as functional jewelry – you could string it around your neck as a haute pendant, popping it off whenever you need. Conversely, place it in your pocket, stationery kit, or backpack for use later.
The visual beauty of the Tiroler extends to its tactile joy too. The cold metal feels great in the hand, and the polished surfaces on the Tiroler make for a great interplay between light and shadow. This instantly makes your hand want to fidget with the roller, twirling it in your palms, passing your finger through its oculus, and rolling the measuring ‘bezel’ to create that satisfying click sound.
The Tiroler’s grooved rim prevent it from slipping and sliding during use, ensuring an accurate measurement every time.
Given that the world is divided between Imperial and Metric folk, the Tiroler comes in two different sizes. The Metric Tiroler is much more compact, measuring just 31.8mm (1.25 inches) in diameter, while the Imperial Tiroler is significantly larger at 40.4mm (1.59 inches). Strangely enough, the Imperial Tiroler doesn’t count up to 12 inches or a foot. The clicks occur every 5 inches instead (creating a 12-inch Tiroler would make it massive), which does tend to *slightly* complicate things, especially when you have to calculate feet.
The Tiroler ships globally with free shipping to select countries, and a long-lasting guarantee thanks to its durable, non-corrosive titanium construction that should serve you for years if not decades. The Metric Tiroler starts at a discounted $58, while the Imperial Tiroler has a $69 price tag. You can buy both together for $108, and each Tiroler comes with its own bespoke leather carrying case, allowing you to carry and showcase your beautiful jewel-esque measuring instrument with pride!
What really makes a desk stand out to me is the collection of stationery items placed on top of it (and also the manner in which they are placed). The true value and efficiency of your desk lie in the smart assortment of designs you adorn it with – these are after all the objects that are gonna help you get through your workday, and directly or indirectly affect your productivity. It’s imperative to have a collection that really lets you work easily, efficiently, and effectively. But what’s even more integral than that is to have them organized and tidy, so they don’t clutter up your desk, and in turn hamper your productivity. This is where smart holders and containers come into the equation, as they ensure your stationery is stored efficiently but is also easily accessible!
1. Grovemade’s Hardwood Cups and Planters
Made the hard old school way in Grovemade’s Portland OR factory, the cups, planters, and dishes are carved from solid maple or walnut. These containers are functional and utilitarian but also quite good-looking.
Why is it noteworthy?
The detailed pieces are hand-sanded and finished with a clear vegetable-based oil which highlights the natural warmth, elegance, and sheer beauty of the wood. The collection basically consists of cups, dishes, and planters in a variety of different woods. The cups are tall containers that are ideal for holding your pens, pencils, scissors, markers, etc.
What we like
Come in various metal and material options, so you can pick and choose
What we dislike
Aesthetics are a bit unassuming and boring
2. The KNOB.
The KNOB. is a minimal and sleek pen tray with soft rounded edges, that adds an iota of personality and character to your desk. It is designed by Changho Lee and gives a refreshing yet simple twist to the regular pen tray.
Why is it noteworthy?
Despite its simple good looks, the KNOB. pen tray has quite a unique functionality. The pen tray was inspired by the knobs you find on a gas burner. Lee borrowed the design language of gas burner knobs, and replicated it in his tray creating a piece of stationery with intriguing-looking ‘control buttons’ or ‘knobs’.
What we like
The knobs or multiport radar allow you to adjust the internal space of the pen tray
What we dislike
Does not have a chance to accommodate unusually shaped objects
3. Scissors w/ Base
Why is it noteworthy?
In a world where tech tidies our desks, who knew scissors would steal the limelight? The Scissors w/Base aren’t just cutting-edge (pun intended); they’re reshaping workspace organization. That magnetic base? It’s the game-changer, giving these shears a permanent VIP spot on your desk—no more lost-in-the-abyss moments. Crafted with lustrous Japanese steel, they’re not just tools but desk decor that screams ‘next-gen chic’. And that bonus boxcutter feature? Consider it a nifty Easter egg in this age of multifunctional design.
That magnetic base is genius—ensuring your scissors have a dedicated spot
In the world of multifunctional gadgets, having a built-in box cutter is the kind of forward-thinking detail we appreciate
What we dislike
As much as they’re aesthetically pleasing, they will not replace the heavy-duty scissors you need for tougher tasks
4. UFO Desk Pen Holder
The UFO Desk Pen Holder is an innovative pen holder that is completely out of this world. It holds your pen, while suspending it in mid-air, giving the impression that aliens are going to kidnap your pen. The pen stands straight and upright in the holder.
Why is it noteworthy?
The top of the pen holder is your stereotypical alien spaceship in the shape of a flying saucer. You could put the USS Enterprise or a Star Destroyer, too, but its irregular shape would break the illusion and remove a bit of the eerie atmosphere surrounding this design.
What we like
Adds an element of fun to your workdesk
The saucer provides illumination
What we dislike
As a single pen holder, it takes up a lot of space on the desk
5. Effortless Standing Letter Cutter
Why is it noteworthy?
In the realm of desk organization, where every inch counts, this letter cutter reimagines a standard office tool. Beyond its efficient slicing, its ability to serve as a chic paperweight means less clutter and more style for your workspace. It’s not just about opening mail—it’s about elevating and decluttering your entire desk aesthetic.
The precision cut ensures there are no messy scraps left behind, making post-mail cleanup a breeze
By doubling as a paperweight, it ensures fewer items are scattered across your workspace, helping maintain a clean, organized desk
What we dislike
While fantastic for standard envelopes, it is not versatile enough for those bulkier packages or intricate mail
6. Grovemade Note-Taking Kit
The Grovemade Note-Taking Kit is the perfect product to effortlessly, efficiently capture, process, and store your notes.
Why is it noteworthy?
Grovemade’s Note-Taking Kit is essentially a refillable notepad with dot grid paper and a solid metal base, accompanied by a display rail to hold and accommodate your notes and devices, as well as a vertical organizer that will store your notes until you’re ready to use them – this keeps your workspace neat and tidy in the meantime.
What we like
Ensures that your workdesk is neat and tidy, helping you complete your important tasks first
What we dislike
Will consume a substantial amount of precious real estate on your desk
7. Quick-Access Organizer
Why is it noteworthy?
In a world buzzing with smart gadgets and digital reminders, something as fundamental as losing keys can feel archaic. This organizer isn’t just a storage solution; it’s a desk revolution. By using magnetic wizardry, it guarantees that your essentials have a designated, easily accessible home, marrying form and function in a way that shouts 21st-century design philosophy.
The rotating mechanism takes the guesswork out of storage. Drop your items, and they’re securely in place, ready for their next use
Not just a lid, but a tray? It’s this kind of dual functionality that truly maximizes space, and we’re all about efficient design
Even your Everyday Carry tools find a home, ensuring everything you need is in one spot
What we dislike
While spacious, those with a larger array of items will find it limiting
There’s always a concern about magnets around certain electronic devices or cards. You would need to be selective about what you store
8. Forest Tidy
This seat of minimal and solid containers is called the Forest Tidy and it is carved from rosewood. The set aims to bring a whole new level of organization to your desk.
Why is it noteworthy?
By splitting your workspace belongings into different categories, the Forest Tidy organizational kit gives you space for stationery, tech, EDC, cables, and even a dedicated stand for your monitor along with a stowaway space for your keyboard and mouse.
What we like
Available variety of shapes and sizes, tailor-made to your tabletop belongings
Features a dedicated phone stand that lets you dock your phone either in portrait or landscape
What we dislike
Unfortunately, the phone stand doesn’t come with a channel for a cable pass-through, which means it won’t function as a charging stand
9. Cyl
Cyl is an innovative desk organizer concept that utilizes the age-old stacking trick to free up horizontal space on your deck by using the unused vertical space that is often forgotten.
Why is it noteworthy?
This desk organizer concept doesn’t discriminate or put limits on what you can put inside. More importantly, you can easily see what’s inside and quickly get them without having to unstack the ones above. In theory, you can stack the containers as high as you can, presuming gravity doesn’t cause them to topple over.
What we like
You can easily see what’s inside and quickly get them without having to unstack the ones above
Organizers come in different sizes
What we dislike
No option to close the organizer when not in use
10. Hanging Desk Organizer
Why is it noteworthy?
In today’s ever-evolving workspaces, redefining how we utilize space is essential. This edge-hanging organizer doesn’t just challenge the norms; it entirely disrupts them. Leveraging often overlooked spaces, it offers a solution that’s as innovative as it is effective, allowing users to reclaim their desktop real estate for productivity while ensuring essentials are always within arm’s reach.
What really makes a desk stand out to me is the collection of stationery items placed on top of it (and also the manner in which they are placed). The true value and efficiency of your desk lie in the smart assortment of designs you adorn it with – these are after all the objects that are gonna help you get through your workday, and directly or indirectly affect your productivity. It’s imperative to have a collection that really lets you work easily, efficiently, and effectively. And, we’ve curated a collection of innovative and nifty stationery designs that you must own! From an everlasting all-metal pencil to minimal Japanese drawing pads – these are the modern stationery designs you need to meet your modern stationery needs.
1. The Note
Named the Note, this compact desk whiteboard allows you to take notes with complete and total efficiency. It isn’t your everyday ordinary note taker, it has a few exciting tricks up your sleeve!
Why is it noteworthy?
The “whiteboard” twists or flips over, giving you twice the space to write down your notes. One side can have a dotted grid surface to help with diagrams, while the other can be plain, or they can have the same design on both sides. As with any vertical slate, you can also place sticky notes on it, in case scribbling notes down on paper is quicker for you.
What we like
Features a multi-purpose vertical screen that you can utilize to view the time, calendar, and appointments
What we dislike
The screen doesn’t support and show videos, a function that may be important in some people’s fields of work
2. Funno
Funno is anything but your typical pencil sharpener. In fact, the unique stationery design is in the form of a small cylinder, which makes it quite uncommon anyway.
Why is it noteworthy?
What really sets it apart is the lustrous sheen that makes it look more like a priceless desk decoration than something that cuts through wood and gets dirtied by black graphite.
What we like
Features a German-made Möebius+Ruppert inside to make short work of dull pencils
What we dislike
Some people may prefer a typical and traditional sharpener. The design may be too radical for some
3. The Everlasting Metal Pencil
Dubbed the Everlasting Metal Pencil, this Wacom-like style has a tip that doesn’t need any replacing or sharpening. The innovative pencil allows you to focus on the creative process entirely.
The octagonal shaft is made of aluminum and houses a special alloy core. Knowing that, you might think that all it will do is leave heavy grooves on your paper, but your mind might be blown away when it draws like a real pencil without seeing the tip wear down even after dozens of marks.
What we like
It has a metal core instead of clay or charcoal, so it wears down slowly, and may actually outlive you
What we dislike
The pencil doesn’t smudge or smear like normal graphite, which could be a disadvantage for those who use smudging techniques
4. World Clock
One look at the World Clock, and you know it’s not your typical desk or shelf clock! The unique clock features a dodecagonal shape, and it only has one hand on its minimalist face.
The design is intentional because it gives you just the right information you need when you want to know what time it is in another part of the world. With a quick look, you’ll be able to immediately tell the hour, and a closer inspection could even tell you which quarter of the hour it is.
What we like
Each of the 12 sides of the clock has markings for a city that represents a particular timezone
What we dislike
The clock has only 12 set timezones.
5. The Horizon Key®
The Horizon Helvetica® is an artist-oriented piece of EDC that is meant to be an alternative to conventional stationery kits, and it has a new companion this year called the Horizon Key®.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Horizon Key® is a keychain-friendly multitool that not only looks, but also functions as a scale, a hex wrench, a bottle opener, a basic protractor, a flat-head screwdriver, a mini-saw, and a wire ripper.
What we like
It lets you sketch, ideate, plan, and measure anywhere
Portable and easy-to-carry design
What we dislike
The tool only comes in metal as an option
6. Modular Picture Frame Concept
This modular picture frame concept has multiple functionalities at the same time. It enhances the design’s appeal by utilizing a material that embodies and represents long-lasting memories.
Why is it noteworthy?
It is made from marble, which leaves a lasting impression, and is a fitting metaphor for memorializing someone, something, or some memory in a photo. It’s an admittedly heavier material, but that also lends some stability to the frame.
What we like
Built from marble which embodies long-lasting memories
What we dislike
It’s a concept, so we don’t know how the final product will turn out
7. Grovemade Note-Taking Kit
The Grovemade Note-Taking Kit is the ideal product to effortlessly and efficiently capture, process, and store your notes.
Why is it noteworthy?
Grovemade’s Note-Taking Kit is essentially a refillable notepad with dot grid paper and a solid metal base, accompanied by a display rail to hold and accommodate your notes and devices, as well as a vertical organizer that will store your notes until you’re ready to use them – this keeps your workspace neat and tidy in the meantime.
What we like
Ensures that your workdesk is neat and tidy, helping you complete your important tasks first
What we dislike
Will consume a substantial amount of precious real estate on your desk
8. Wipe
Dubbed Wipe, this unique and innovative whiteboard notebook features its own eraser allowing you to write, erase, and write over and over again!
Why is it noteworthy?
Wipe takes this simplicity and cuts it down to a smaller and more personal size that’s a little bit smaller than A4 paper. Despite the more portable size, the idea is still the same. You write on it, take a photo that you could save or send to the cloud, erase it, and write again. It’s fast, simple, and doesn’t require preparation, just like good, old paper.
What we like
Equipped with a newly developed Mag Force system that combines magnets and rubber bands to create a handle that also functions as a pen holder
What we dislike
You will need to utilize a dry-erase or whiteboard pen instead of a permanent marker
9. ONEBOX
This woodworking wonder is called the ONEBOX, and it combines multiple different tools into an intriguing interlocking Jenga-like structure, using the same traditional mortise and tenon jointing technique seen for centuries in large-scale buildings in ancient times.
Why is it noteworthy?
When assembled, the ONEBOX looks just like any ordinary wooden box. Pull the pieces apart and you discover that each piece is, in fact, a stationery tool or fidget toy.
What we like
It is meticulously crafted from solid wood, with flawless mortise and tenon joints and built-in magnets
What we dislike
The aesthetics are a bit unassuming and boring
10. Japanese Drawing Pad
The Japanese Drawing Pad is a simple yet beautiful pad that allows those brilliant ideas in your head to get flowing. The clean black canvas pulls the ideas out of your mind, while the sturdy texture of the paper functions as an anchor for your brain.
It is perfect for sketching art, creating designs, and any other creative pursuit, accepting your ideas and your mistakes with the serenity and openness of a blank page.
What we like
Utilizes high-quality Japanese paper that is preferred by stationery connoisseurs
What we dislike
At first glance, it seems like a simple and typical drawing pad
Productivity systems like GTD and the Bullet Journal have made paper notebooks all the rage again. But while it’s inspiring to see so many creative designs for notebooks and stationery, these can also get in the way when you just need to write or sketch something down. Bound notebooks might not have the right combination of grids and lines that you need, or they might have too many or too few pages. Ring binders let you add, remove, and move pages, but the rings tend to get in the way, and the holes lead to tears and unaesthetic pages. You could always make a DIY notebook combining just the sheets and designs that you need, but keeping them together can also be a hassle. If all these sound familiar to you, here’s how this simple yet ingenious clipboard removes the friction when it’s time to take notes while also letting you design your notebook your way.
Rather than limiting yourself to the type and number of pages a notebook comes with, this clipboard lets you mix and match any kind of paper that fits inside it. An A4 jacket, for example, can hold A4 paper or A3 paper folded in half, while the A5 version can use A5 and A4 sheets in the same way. You can use unmarked blank paper, grid paper, dotted sheets, printed designs, or anything you want or need to give your thoughts a physical form.
You can really use any paper that you can write on, even those with printed text on the back. This is an excellent way to make use of those discarded sheets before they’re dumped into the bin. Even perforated or loose leaf paper with holes is fair game because they can easily be hidden inside the jacket’s “margin.”
Clip Paper Easily in Any Order
Unlike typical binders, this clipboard uses a clever Magnet x Lever mechanism to hold those loose sheets together while still letting you easily remove them as needed. Simply pushing down on the edge lifts up the clip, releasing the paper and allowing you to add or remove sheets in a snap. The clip can hold up to 30 sheets of paper, but it can secure even a single sheet if that’s all that you have left.
This deceptively simple design gives you absolute freedom in how you arrange your notes. You can always put a blank page at the top of the stack, ready to meet the tip of your pen or pencil at a moment’s notice, or you can order them according to topic or a specific flow of thought. Or you can just leave them as-is and none will be the wiser.
Take Notes Anywhere
This ultra-minimalist paper notebook isn’t just easy to organize, it’s also super easy to use. Simply lift the flip tab to open the notebook and you’re good to go. You can even leave your pen inside so that it’s ready the next time inspiration strikes. The same strong magnets that keep the sheets of paper together also keep the cover from accidentally opening and exposing your precious scribbles. The jacket’s rigid hardcover and flexible angle make it trivial to fold it around and hold it in one hand, allowing you to take notes even while standing up.
Best of all, both the inside and outside of the jacket are waterproof and you can easily wipe any drops that fall on it. This gives you the flexibility to not just take notes anywhere but also take your notes everywhere. You can even put it up on a metallic surface or whiteboard thanks to its magnetic clip. Time to ditch those pretty but inflexible notebooks and embrace the freedom that this magnetic, loose paper jacket can bring to your creativity and productivity.
